Page 42 of Shapes of Love
“We’ll be fine. Right, where’s my suit?” Kai scans the chaos in the living room—a pile of discarded dresses, hair products, and a makeup case strewn around. He crashed the moment we got home from Asher’s place, and he just woke up. “I should start getting ready.”
“Your only job today is to rest.” I nudge him onto the sofa. “You can’t come with your ankle like that. You’ll have to stand for most of the evening. You should stay here and work.”
He frowns. “I can use the crutches. I’d rather go to this gala than work on my homework.”
“I said work, not study.” I hand him his tablet. “It’s okay if you don’t want to show people your art yet, but I’m not people, and I want to have something to read tonight. So, work on your story. The one you showed me.” He cocks an eyebrow, like he doesn’t buy it. “It’s best if I go alone. We don’t want to be seen as codependent. It’s important that we’re each our own person.”
This gives him pause. It’s partly true. I don’t want him to be perceived as my boyfriend or thegentle first love. I want him to be Kai, the artist.
I just want people to appreciate my silly little drawings.Something is keeping Kai from believing in his art. I don’t know how to help, other than be there for him while he figures it out.
“Okay, abandon me in my time of need,” he says. He leans back against the couch dramatically, twisting his digital pen between his fingers. In Kai-speak, that means I’ve convinced him. “I’m ordering room service.”
“Save me the leftovers.” I slide into my heels. “Okay, I’m off. Have fun.”
“Sash.” His fingers curl around my wrist before I can slip away. “Text me if you need anything. I mean it. I’ll be right there, sprained ankle and all.”
I squeeze his hand in lieu of a response. I don’t doubt he will. Whenever Kai’s around, I forget what it’s like to feel alone.
CHAPTER 11
The venue for the fundraiser is an old theater repurposed as a dining hall, but I can still see glimpses of what it used to be—the wooden floors, the long curtains, the arches expanding into the high ceiling. The scent of fresh flowers saturates the air, and the main stage has been transformed for a live orchestra to play a range of classical music while people peruse the silent auction.
I weave through the crowd, catching snippets of conversations and flashing smiles at unfamiliar faces. I can’t find Asher or Rosa among the masked attendees, but maybe it’s for the best. Maybe they’re avoiding me after yesterday. I don’t blame them. I’m sort of avoiding them, too.
When I excuse myself to check out the items in the auction, I’m relieved to find out that there are multiple offers for mine already—my guitars and a private concert. Nine thousand and seventy thousand pounds, respectively.
The numbers make me dizzy. How someone can pay so much to watch me sing live is beyond me, but I’m happy the money will go toward a good cause.
I stroll down the display, my fingers gliding across the counter, looking for something that will catch my eye. Items range from collectibles, like a signed football or a custom necklace from an award-winning film, to luxury romantic experiences in remote places. They’re displayed in glass cases next to a tablet where people can write their bid. Out of curiosity, I make my way down the hall until I find the items Asher has donated.
Nestled on a velvet cushion sits a teddy bear with a bowtie—his fur is a little unkempt and his eyes are a little faded.
A note beside it reads:
From Asher Grish:
I want to introduce you to Cuddles, my oldest friend. He means the world to me. My mum had him custom-made after I was born, and he’s been by my side ever since. From undercover missions (stealing cookies from the pantry after midnight was our top-secret mission) to seeing the world with me, Cuddles was always there, whether I needed a hug when I was scared or a friend to play with.
As I grew older, Cuddles stayed with me, but I can tell he’s a little bored now that I’m an adult. So, it’s time for him to find a new friend. I hope he can bring as much happiness and love to you or your loved one as he did for me.
A Few Things to Know:
Cuddles has been kept with lots of love and care. Heshould be hand-washed. Please avoid putting him in the washing machine! He hates it!
He comes from a smoke-free home.
I rest a hand on the glass case, my heart plunging. Cuddles looks lonely and rejected. I should save him. Why would Asher let go of something so personal? This isn’t just a plushie. It’s hisfirstplushie, a fragment of his soul.
If someone tried to take Tito away from me, I would be on the news for murder.
Before I can think it through, I jot down a number on the tablet.
The top bid is for thirty thousand pounds.
Don’t do it, I plead with myself before sneaking in an offer for fifty thousand pounds.
As I hit Submit, a wave of mixed emotions washes over me, but what’s done is done. Will I regret this? Probably. But I can’t let Asher sell this, and at least the money will go to a good cause.
